Suhail Rather
Bandipora, June 26 (KNS) : Despite rapid urban growth and a steady rise in vehicular traffic, not a single road in Bandipora district features proper right-of-way (RoR) markings — a critical urban planning tool to prevent encroachment and ensure safe, unobstructed travel.
Right-of-way markings, typically established with RoR poles or boundary indicators on both sides of the road, serve as a legal and physical reminder of public road limits. However, in Bandipora, the absence of such demarcation has led to unchecked encroachments, illegal structures, and narrowing of carriageways, putting the safety of commuters and pedestrians at serious risk.
Notably, even the vital Bandipora–Sumbal–Srinagar road — one of the district’s key arteries — lacks RoR poles or any such structures that clearly demarcate the road width and help keep a check on encroachment. The Roads & Buildings (R&B) divisions in Bandipora and Sumbal have so far failed to erect RoR poles along these roads, allowing encroachments to persist.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Locals of Bandipora district demand the immediate installation of RoR poles along vital roads so that encroachments are notified in time and proper checks are put in place to prevent further degradation of the district’s roadways. “Without RoR poles, it becomes difficult to differentiate where the road ends and where private property begins. This ambiguity encourages illegal encroachments,” said a resident of Plan Bandipora.
Urban development experts highlight that right-of-way demarcation is not just a formality but a fundamental regulatory measure. “Proper RoR boundaries facilitate smooth road-widening projects, laying of drainage and utility lines, and help prevent future disputes,” explained a senior town planner.
As Bandipora aspires to enhance its infrastructure and manage rapid urbanisation, clearly marking and enforcing the right-of-way is a crucial first step toward restoring order and ensuring sustainable growth in the district’s expanding road network.(KNS)